Director of Major Gifts, Smeal College of Business
Listed on 2026-07-12
-
Education / Teaching
Education Administration
Director Of Major Gifts
Penn State is currently seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Major Gifts to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting The Smeal College of Business, a vibrant intellectual community offering highly ranked undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and executive education to more than 8,000 students from around the world. As a globally recognized business school, Smeal offers a world-class education that prepares students to become innovative leaders across all industries.
Through our leading faculty and network of research centers and institutes, the college is a source of knowledge that influences the business practices of tomorrow. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), you can play an integral role in Penn State's future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the college's leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Director of Major Gifts will:
- Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies;
- Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
- Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts;
- Travel extensively throughout the region and across the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships, tracked to a fixed and appropriately aggressive set of fundraising metrics.
The successful candidate will also have:
- A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals;
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills required to build relationships with sophisticated and high-net worth audiences;
- The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
- A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;
- A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
- A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Minimum Education , Work Experience & Required
Certifications:
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required
Certifications:
None
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
The salary range for this position is $76,700.00 - $.
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).